²¹ What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline,^(A) or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

2 ¹ So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you.^(A)

³ I wrote as I did,^(A) so that when I came I would not be distressed^(B) by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence^(C) in all of you, that you would all share my joy.